In The Path Of A Tornado- when our safety feels fragile
Today was difficult. I am scared.
The winds have been blowing strong since yesterday. The kind of strength that makes you feel slightly uneasy. We’ve known big storms were forecast for today. Timing and intensity were spot on.
As the time approached the winds took on an intensified speed and the sky color cast a dark grey across our home. We were in the path, an extraordinary multi-state wide path of intense tornado activity.
Warnings were flooding Facebook, and I was scared.
I grew up in earthquake and wildfire country. Those are catastrophic events, but the difference for me today, in the Midwest, was the continual onslaught of information.
Earthquakes surprise, there isn’t the tension of potential destruction.
We don’t have cable, so we rely on social media to keep us updated. It is a tense day when you are constantly watching the feed and seeing disaster strike again and again.
Reading dire warnings to “get underground immediately” (we don’t have a basement). Pictures starting to come across of leveled homes, and the anxiety rises.
The home that feels so safe and impenetrable, starts to shake, and the dawning realization hits. A concrete slab, drywall, and timber are a weak defense against a fast-moving twister of wind and debris.
We just went through this on Halloween.
I placed my hand on the windows and felt them shake. Flashlights were gathered, and phones charged. Shoes and socks were placed by our downstairs bathroom-just in case.
My heart was pounding. For hours. And yet, my family was calm. Both of our children did disaster relief this summer in Oklahoma, but they were unconcerned.
Frankly, it annoyed me. Why was I the only one taking this seriously?
They trusted in God’s hand. My faith felt shaky, like everything else around me.
Finally what I feared reached our ears. The community siren. The one that goes off only at noon on Saturdays for testing. Of course, today is not Saturday.
I urged my family into our tiny bathroom. Soon the siren stopped. The worst had passed over us.
Suspiciously I spent the next few hours peering out each window, unconvinced that safety was ours. For across our state, across our neighboring state of Illinois, others weren’t sharing our security.
My heart aches for those who lost so much today.
There is always the after, isn’t there?
When we face our realized fears, or are humbled with gratitude as being spared. I don’t understand it.
That is okay, God welcomes our questions and fears and frustrations and even our anger.
Tonight I count it a blessing to be safe and sound, our home once again comforting me.
I will also join countless others who will be praying for comfort to those whose story doesn’t end as mine did today.
I have the luxury of seeing beauty tonight. A happy ending.
As always, I am grateful.
Resources to help fight fear:
Fierce Faith: A Woman’s Guide to Fighting Fear, Wrestling Worry, and Overcoming Anxiety
Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It’s Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind.
Fight Your Fears: Trusting God’s Character and Promises When You Are Afraid
Disclosure: I only recommend products I do/would use myself. This post may contain affiliate links that at NO additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission to help support this blog. Read full privacy policy here.
This is so beautiful! Such a range of deep emotions that flood with weather. Glad you are safe.
I was so grateful to crawl into bed last night Laura, thank you
Christa ~ I am so thankful you and your family are safe. I admit that, in times such as what you endured yesterday, my faith also gets shaky. Beautiful photos of “after the storm.” Praying for those who suffered loss.
Appreciate your comment and honesty Joan. It is good to share even the “shaky”
I can’t imagine being in a situation with no real escape to safety. You truly must rely on God’s protective hand. Trying to remain calm for the sake of the family can test our mettle. Beauty truly does come out of a storm. Fabulous pictures. Thankful for the safety of you and your community.
Thank you Shelley, it was an emotional day I’ll be reflecting on. Awoke today with extra gratitude as I snuggled in my bed
oh sweet friend-
So thankful you and your precious family are safe. There is beauty after a storm… even as there is great loss and pain. We wrap our hearts, thoughts and prayers around those who must rebuild their community, their homes and their lives.
Blessings – Nancy
It almost felt wrong somehow to post such beautiful pictures. But, that IS the end to our particular story. And God’s artistry was evident. Choosing to celebrate that. Thanks Nancy
Three families from our church lost their homes. It was wonderful to see the church members write to the Pastor, “What can I do?” “How can I help?” “I have an extra room.” Yes, yesterday was scary for many. Life altering for some.
Glad you were safe. Glad all we got was the torrents of rain as our neighbors in Washington Il., felt the wrath of winds.
Great post Christa. Beautiful photos.
Anne that is encouraging to hear of your church members response to what is a tragic loss to their community
What a beautiful post Christa, conveying both our vulnerability to nature’s powers but also our strength to overcome even the worst.
Words and photos, Amazing!
Thanks for the warning yesterday; we don’t watch much TV either. Bless you for reminding us that the sun shines again after the storm. May God help all those who lost so much!
Bless you friend!
Thank you Katina, you too
So glad you weathered the storm and stayed safe Christa! Thanks for sharing the emotions we all feel when life is uncertain. Praying for those who suffered loss as a result of these storms. God bless!
Maria, it seems so important, and often left unsaid…the sharing of emotions when things are truly rough.
So scary! I can’t even imagine the fear you must have felt (although I did sit through many storms in my day in TX where the sirens were going off). It would bug me too that my kids weren’t worried. I’m usually the one that has to stress out for everyone! Glad you and your family and your HOME are all still safe!
I feel that same way…when we moved here five years ago I remember the first day a siren went off at Saturday noon. We were freaked out. Didn’t even know there WAS such thing, and we ran outside and the neighbors were completely ignoring it. Mowing etc. We were confused. When people move to areas with weather related disasters it would be nice if realtors etc. had packets for regional “stuff” like that
Christa, I am so grateful that you guys are safe. I cannot fathom the fear that you experienced. And I am amazed at the beauty of your pictures. (It seems so at odds with the devastation such weather brings.) Grace and peace to you, my friend!
At least now we aren’t dealing with the Tsunami evac route worries along the coast 🙂
I am grateful that you and your family are safe. And I pray for the families who were not as lucky. Thank you for sharing your emotions and your fears.
Thank YOU for being part of the conversation Kathryn, and thanks for praying for those who lost it all